Pope Benedict XVI's visit is not only of great pastoral importance but will also have a bearing on the country's tourism, according to President George Abela.

"The Pope's visit will have a great impact on tourism. In fact, this hotel is fully booked," he said, speaking during an impromptu visit of the media centre set up at the Excelsior Hotel, outside Valletta for the Papal visit.

"We are very lucky to be the first country the Pope will visit this year, especially in the light of the present international climate," Dr Abela said. In fact, welcoming the head of the Catholic Church had great relevance in this particular moment in time, he added.

"Just like St Paul's visit was a turning point for Malta, Pope Benedict XVI's visit is the same," he said.

There are a few journalists who might not make it because a number of flights were cancelled due to the huge cloud of volcanic ash hanging over northern Europe and originating from Iceland. But, this would be compensated for by the Maltese who would support the Pope visiting at a very delicate time for the Church, he said.

Dr Abela called on the Maltese to attend the events organised for the Papal visit, especially the Mass on the Granaries, in Floriana, tomorrow. "This is a historic moment."

He heaped praise on the organisers of the media centre, which was reflected in the comments of the foreign media. "Foreign journalists told me they were impressed by the excellent service given to each detail in the centre."

In fact, a delegation from Cyprus, the next country Pope Benedict XVI will visit, was sent to Malta to see how the event was organised, Dr Abela said.